Colors: The Rhodesian Ridgeback can be is light wheaten to red wheaten. Can be a small amount of white on chest and toes.

Physical Appearance: The Rhodesian Ridgeback represents a strong, muscular and active dog, symmetrical and balanced in outline. A mature Ridgeback is a handsome, upstanding and athletic dog, capable of great endurance with a fair (good) amount of speed. Of even, dignified temperament, the Ridgeback is devoted and affectionate to his master, reserved with strangers. The peculiarity of this breed is the ridge on the back. The ridge must be regarded as the characteristic feature of the breed.

Temperament/Personality: The Rhodesian Ridgeback is a breed of dog able to retrieve, track, hunt game, and protect property. They are rarely noisy or quarrelsome, unless provoked. Dignified and even tempered. Reserved with strangers.

Care: The Rhodesian Ridgebacks need minimal grooming. Brush with a firm bristle brush and shampoo only when necessary.

Health Concerns/Problems: The Rhodesian Ridgeback

Training: The Rhodesian Ridgeback needs an owner who will invest the time it takes to build a bond of trust.

Activity: The Rhodesian Ridgebacks need a great amount of exercise and have tremendous stamina. They love to swim.

Life Span: The Rhodesian Ridgeback lives an average life of 11-12 years.

Litter Size: The Rhodesian Ridgeback has an average litter of 7-8 puppies.

Country of Origin: The Rhodesian Ridgeback originated in Zimbabwe (Rhodesia).

Brief History: Named after the country of Rhodesia which is now Zimbabwe they were once called the Lion Dog as they would hunt lions and other big game in packs. Rhodesian Ridgebacks were developed from crossing the local dog (the African Hottentot Hunting Dog) who had a distinctive ridge of hair growing in the reverse direction along their back to the Pointer, Mastiff, Greyhound and Bulldog. The Hottentot tribe brought them to southern Africa. The breed went through several transformations before becoming the dog we know today. In 1922, the first Rhodesian Ridgeback Club was formed for the specific purpose of drawing up a breed standard. The Rhodesian Ridgeback was officially recognized by the South African Kennel Union in 1924. It was not until after World War II that the first specimens of the breed were brought to the United States.